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TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL VARIATION IN SOLAR RADIATION AND PHOTO-ENHANCED TOXICITY RISKS OF SPILLED OIL IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, ALASKA
Citation:
BARRON, M. G., D. VIVIAN, S. H. YEE, AND S. DIAMOND. TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL VARIATION IN SOLAR RADIATION AND PHOTO-ENHANCED TOXICITY RISKS OF SPILLED OIL IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, ALASKA. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, FL, 27(3):727-736, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
These results demonstrate substantial temporal and spatial variation in solar radiation in Prince William Sound, and the potential for significant photoenhanced toxicity risks from spilled oil.
Description:
Solar irradiance (W/m2) and downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd; m-1) were determined in several locations in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA, between April 2003 and December 2005 to assess temporal and spatial variation in solar radiation and the risks of photoenhanced toxicity from spilled oil. Weekly irradiance measurements of surface visible light, ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation in Valdez, Alaska followed expected trends of maximum solar irradiance at each summer solstice, and minima at each winter solstice. Variation from weekly maximum expected surface irradiances was attributed to large variations in environmental conditions over the 142 week monitoring period. Season and proximity to glacial meltwater were significant determinants of Kd, with one percent attenuation depths ranging from 0.4 to 15 m (UVB and UVA) and 0.5 to 28 m (visible light). There was a high probability of photoenhanced toxicity risks estimated from UVA dosimetry in spring and summer, and lower risks in fall and winter seasons. These results demonstrate substantial temporal and spatial variation in solar radiation in Prince William Sound, and the potential for significant photoenhanced toxicity risks from spilled oil.
